What do you think?
Rate this book
War Trilogy #1
From War to Forever
2nd Edition
Dennis
The love of my life is dead. Is there a reason to live anymore?
I'm a veteran Marine. Terrorists took not only my foot, but also my wife. Recurrent nightmares, a dead-end job, and a painful limp are all I have left. My best friend, Tucker, and my sister, Lizette, keep me afloat. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for Tucker... literally. And then, out of nowhere, there are these feelings. The kind I haven't felt in years. The kind I'm not sure I can handle, or even want to. But they've started wrapping around my broken heart, trying to mend it. Only they are not for a woman, but for the man suddenly sharing my bed. I'm not so sure I'm ready to give love another go.
Tucker
The war took my hearing, but I'm alive. Many of my friends are not. I am building a life with my best friend, Dennis. We have become practically inseparable. And now, we are more than friends. I've never had feelings like these for a man. My parents, my brother, my buddy, Duke--will they understand how I feel about Dennis? Can I risk losing my family?
First Edition published as At War by KDP Select, 2015.
Dennis
The love of my life is dead. Is there a reason to live anymore?
I'm a veteran Marine. Terrorists took not only my foot, but also my wife. Recurrent nightmares, a dead-end job, and a painful limp are all I have left. My best friend, Tucker, and my sister, Lizette, keep me afloat. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for Tucker... literally. And then, out of nowhere, there are these feelings. The kind I haven't felt in years. The kind I'm not sure I can handle, or even want to. But they've started wrapping around my broken heart, trying to mend it. Only they are not for a woman, but for the man suddenly sharing my bed. I'm not so sure I'm ready to give love another go.
Tucker
The war took my hearing, but I'm alive. Many of my friends are not. I am building a life with my best friend, Dennis. We have become practically inseparable. And now, we are more than friends. I've never had feelings like these for a man. My parents, my brother, my buddy, Duke--will they understand how I feel about Dennis? Can I risk losing my family?
First Edition published as At War by KDP Select, 2015.
330 pages, Paperback
First published February 3, 2015
46 people are currently reading
1034 people want to read
About the author
Andria Large
34 books877 followersAndria Large is a traditionally published and self-published contemporary romance author. She doesn’t always follow the rules, so you will find both M/F and M/M books mixed into some of her series.
Henry from the Beck Brothers Series was the first book she self-published. Not expecting anything to really come of it, she was shocked to find the book caught wind and readers were asking for more. Writing books was not something she had set out to do. She wrote stories for herself, as a hobby. Now that it has become her career, she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Andria grew up in Philadelphia, but now lives in New Jersey with her two daughters and wonderfully supportive husband, who frequently accompanies her at signings. The events that she attends every year are one of her favorite things about being an author. She loves meeting and conversing with her readers, but also enjoys finding new ones.
Andria considers herself open and friendly, so feel free to send her a message if you have a question or just want to chat.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
April 25, 2015
3.75 Tortured Veterans Stars.
At War depicts the story of Dennis and Tucker. Both men are Marine veterans, both serving their country in Iraq. Both still carrying their battle scars for years to come.
Dennis lost is wife during the war. She was there as a reporter and was taken by the enemy...and killed. Dennis was minutes too late...minutes. Minutes he can't seem to get back. His PTSD rages to this day. The loss of the love of his life, coupled with the images of finding her torment him in his sleep. His physical scars worsen his ability to move on- an amputated foot requiring a prosthetic lower leg. Phantom pain ravages him. Phantom pain for his wife that's gone and his limb that's no longer there. Because of this, he's not eligible for many jobs, so he works as a lead bouncer in a night club.
Tucker also suffers physical and emotional scars from wartime. During battle, a bomb exploded near his convoy, killing his best friend and causing permanent hearing loss. He's deaf. He could get surgery to help restore it but he chooses to live in silence- it's his penance for the loss of his Marine Corps brother. He couldn't save him so his world of silence will remind him daily of his mistakes.
Both Dennis and Tucker have left the Marines are living together in an apartment. Their friendship is perfect because they both know the pain the other deals with on a daily basis. When the four-year anniversary of Zara's death arrives, Dennis hits an all-time low. He has nothing to live for. He just wants his wife back...this life be damned.
At War was a fairly steamy Gay-For-You romance. The author did a nice job slowly building the emotional connection between Dennis and Tucker. Both men have never looked at another man in a sexual way but with the deep bond of friendship between them, the loving embraces late at night to get through the nightmares, gradually turn the waters amuck. The lines blurr... Dennis hasn't been with a woman in four years. So when a waitress propositions them to a threesome, Tucker thinks it's a great idea. Get Dennis out of his sexual slump and maybe having his best buddy there will help give him the strength to move on. And so their story begins...
Steam factor was fairly good here. Slowly built between the guys but that ménage scene was really well written. This is my go-to for MM reads- GFY. Not sure how realistic it is but it sure makes for an angsty hot slow-build romance read.
At War is a story of second chances. Second chances in life where one misstep could've been the end. Can both Dennis and Tucker heal the pains from their wartime days, the pain of the loss of loved ones and move forward in life? For their happiness? Or will the survivors guilt continue to fester like an open wound?
I guess the book ends in a cliffy. It's the oddest cliffy if that's what it is. Just mid conversation. I would've been happy stopping it just before. It's not a big deal and I wouldn't caution people to not read this in anticipation for book two. This was a fairly solid MM read from an author new to me. Looking forward to book two.
For more reviews, follow us at...
September 14, 2018
3.5 Stars
You’re going to leave me with that ending? Andria, how could you!?! *pouty face*
Cliffhanger ending aside, I’m happy to report that afterimpatiently waiting for this story, for 6 long months, I’m feeling deliciously satisfied right now.
Dennis is a war veteran suffering from PTSD. He’s an amputee, having lost part of his leg while serving in Iraq. Even more traumatically, he lost his wife, a British war correspondent, to the brutality of Iraq rebel insurgents.
It’s been 4 long years since these tragic events shattered Denny’s world, and things are looking bleak. He’s not sure whether he wants to go on living like this. As he puts it, he’s merely existing - not living. But he does have two shining constants in his life that make him want to go on – his sister, Lizette, and his (not long ago acquired) best friend and roommate, Tucker.
Tucker has his own war-induced demons to struggle with, having lost several service buddies and his hearing, as a result of an IED attack during his own tour in Iraq. He too finds his only true solace in his friendship with Denny. They can relate to each other in a way that they simply can’t with their other loved ones.
This first instalment of the War Trilogy focuses on the developing relationship which blossoms between Denny and Tucker. It’s a double GFY story and is told through a dual POV, alternating between Denny and Tucker's narratives. It flows smoothly with easily identifiable narrative jumps.
Andria’s books and I have a complicated relationship. I love them dearly, but they don’t always treat me right in return. Sometimes I feel connected to one of her books so strongly that I want to shout my love from a rooftop (Hey There, Delilah or Sebastian), other times I’m more inclined to toss myself off said rooftop (Sweet Renegade). Either way, I keep coming back for more. Why? Because I really like her characters! They are sweet and sexy (Henry), flawed and relatable (Delilah), funny and charming (Sebastian) – all good things that make awesome characters and interesting reads.
What I don’t enjoy so much, is the somewhat unbelievable dramatics that constantly unfold within Andria’s books. Either I’ve had a super cruisey life, or the poor bastards in her books have the worst luck in the universe, going through one traumatic event after another. At War isn’t a particular example of these constant dramas but I fear they are inevitable, in order to keep the series going. I just hope nothing too outlandish happens to further destroy the little nugget of happiness these characters have at the moment.
Regardless, I’m already itching for book #2!! Bring it on!
Sidenote: At War is regarded as a stand-alone novel but practically all of these characters have made multiple appearances in Andria’s Renegade series (who doesn’t love a Boy Band?!). So if you are OCD with your books like I am, then I strongly suggest you start your reading with Sweet Renegade, or go further back with Henry - because the Beck Brothers series is THE FREAKING BOMB! If you don’t care about full character background then just jump in and enjoy.
You’re going to leave me with that ending? Andria, how could you!?! *pouty face*
Cliffhanger ending aside, I’m happy to report that after
Dennis is a war veteran suffering from PTSD. He’s an amputee, having lost part of his leg while serving in Iraq. Even more traumatically, he lost his wife, a British war correspondent, to the brutality of Iraq rebel insurgents.
It’s been 4 long years since these tragic events shattered Denny’s world, and things are looking bleak. He’s not sure whether he wants to go on living like this. As he puts it, he’s merely existing - not living. But he does have two shining constants in his life that make him want to go on – his sister, Lizette, and his (not long ago acquired) best friend and roommate, Tucker.
Tucker has his own war-induced demons to struggle with, having lost several service buddies and his hearing, as a result of an IED attack during his own tour in Iraq. He too finds his only true solace in his friendship with Denny. They can relate to each other in a way that they simply can’t with their other loved ones.
This first instalment of the War Trilogy focuses on the developing relationship which blossoms between Denny and Tucker. It’s a double GFY story and is told through a dual POV, alternating between Denny and Tucker's narratives. It flows smoothly with easily identifiable narrative jumps.
Andria’s books and I have a complicated relationship. I love them dearly, but they don’t always treat me right in return. Sometimes I feel connected to one of her books so strongly that I want to shout my love from a rooftop (Hey There, Delilah or Sebastian), other times I’m more inclined to toss myself off said rooftop (Sweet Renegade). Either way, I keep coming back for more. Why? Because I really like her characters! They are sweet and sexy (Henry), flawed and relatable (Delilah), funny and charming (Sebastian) – all good things that make awesome characters and interesting reads.
What I don’t enjoy so much, is the somewhat unbelievable dramatics that constantly unfold within Andria’s books. Either I’ve had a super cruisey life, or the poor bastards in her books have the worst luck in the universe, going through one traumatic event after another. At War isn’t a particular example of these constant dramas but I fear they are inevitable, in order to keep the series going. I just hope nothing too outlandish happens to further destroy the little nugget of happiness these characters have at the moment.
Regardless, I’m already itching for book #2!! Bring it on!
Sidenote: At War is regarded as a stand-alone novel but practically all of these characters have made multiple appearances in Andria’s Renegade series (who doesn’t love a Boy Band?!). So if you are OCD with your books like I am, then I strongly suggest you start your reading with Sweet Renegade, or go further back with Henry - because the Beck Brothers series is THE FREAKING BOMB! If you don’t care about full character background then just jump in and enjoy.
June 30, 2016
This started off with Denny having a flashback and it was quite brutal. The description made do an EW face. We get a few flashbacks from him and Tucker and all are pretty sad. Don't worry, there is only a handful, and they are needed for their story.
Denny is having a much harder time coping than I think his friends and family realized. It takes a pretty extreme situation to happen for them to see that his meds and the therapy isn't helping. You can't help but feel all kinds of feels for what he's going through. Such a horrible thing to even fathom anyone having to find their significant other the way he did. It would traumatize anyone if they were put in that situation. But he has a great support system and eventually finds his way out from under his dark cloud. That is greatly helped along by, Tucker. Oh, Tucker....
Tucker is coping a lot better than Denny. Although he came back from the war deaf and has survivor guilt, his cloud isn't nearly as dark. His family doesn't live close but they stay in constant contact. He has an adorable relationship with his nephew, Max. His brother came off a bit of an ass but considering their mother has Alzheimer's and her health is deteriorating quickly, I can see why he was a bit of an ass. Besides that, Tucker has a job he doesn't hate but also doesn't love. He is quite flirty and doesn't have trouble pulling. Denny on the other hand can't seem to let go of his wife to even think about sleeping with anyone else. But Tucker seems to think if he is along for the sex it might make Denny more comfortable. So when they meet a willing participant to join them in a threesome he hopes Denny will agree. He thinks this will help Denny move on. Only it has the opposite effect and this is were things get muddy.
Some stuff goes down after the threesome that is pretty bad. But out of it blossoms a sweet romance between Tucker and Denny. Loved these two together. There is little to no angst which I enjoy sometimes. It ended up being a really smooth read with only a few bumps that were quickly ironed out. I like that these guys talk and didn't brood away. I like how easy they came together and how sweet they were with each other.
This ended in a cliffy and I can't wait to get to the next one. So....
Denny is having a much harder time coping than I think his friends and family realized. It takes a pretty extreme situation to happen for them to see that his meds and the therapy isn't helping. You can't help but feel all kinds of feels for what he's going through. Such a horrible thing to even fathom anyone having to find their significant other the way he did. It would traumatize anyone if they were put in that situation. But he has a great support system and eventually finds his way out from under his dark cloud. That is greatly helped along by, Tucker. Oh, Tucker....
Tucker is coping a lot better than Denny. Although he came back from the war deaf and has survivor guilt, his cloud isn't nearly as dark. His family doesn't live close but they stay in constant contact. He has an adorable relationship with his nephew, Max. His brother came off a bit of an ass but considering their mother has Alzheimer's and her health is deteriorating quickly, I can see why he was a bit of an ass. Besides that, Tucker has a job he doesn't hate but also doesn't love. He is quite flirty and doesn't have trouble pulling. Denny on the other hand can't seem to let go of his wife to even think about sleeping with anyone else. But Tucker seems to think if he is along for the sex it might make Denny more comfortable. So when they meet a willing participant to join them in a threesome he hopes Denny will agree. He thinks this will help Denny move on. Only it has the opposite effect and this is were things get muddy.
Some stuff goes down after the threesome that is pretty bad. But out of it blossoms a sweet romance between Tucker and Denny. Loved these two together. There is little to no angst which I enjoy sometimes. It ended up being a really smooth read with only a few bumps that were quickly ironed out. I like that these guys talk and didn't brood away. I like how easy they came together and how sweet they were with each other.
This ended in a cliffy and I can't wait to get to the next one. So....
January 27, 2018
OMG, that was some kind of story!
I've been trying to get my hands on Andria Large's 'At War' for months, without realizing that 'From War to Forever' is actually a reprint with (I assume) the subsequent books included, because Dennis and Tucker have one of the strongest Happy Ends I've ever seen in romance, LOL.
I really liked the story. It featured ALL ingredients of what I like best in romance: Military guys with terrible backgrounds:
Dennis' wife is murdered by terrorists and Dennis is the one to find her body when he tries to rescue her with his team. I mean, can it get worse than that??
Yes, it can. One passage later, Dennis also lost a leg and now relies on prosthetics to walk.
Don't you want to hug him already??
And Tucker lost his hearing after a bomb went up close to him during a mission. Thank God he can read lips well and knows sign language.
Both guys get to know each other in a veteran's hospital and realizing that they're sharing PTSD issues, they move in together to help each other out.
Four years later, both guys are best friends, but Dennis is lonely. All dates with women don't work out because he still has his beloved late wife in the back of his mind. When his depressions get really dark, Tucker and Dennis actually sleep together, holding each other - as straight best friends...
Well, you get where the story is going. It's so incredibly sweet and cute!
I need to criticize a bit that the characters weren't drawn very multi-layered. So don't hope for anything between the lines here. What you see is what you get, their feelings are always on the surface. Usually, I don't like realizing that there isn't much going on beneath the surface of a story, but Dennis and Tucker are really sweet and most of the time, I found their relationship and their lives pretty realistic and relatable.
However, there were a couple of things I didn't get or found infuriating...
But despite these issues I had, I really liked following both guys through so many years of their life. I especially had a soft spot for Dennis.
The sex was a bit overused throughout the book, but I liked how they interacted with each other. I totally believed their love for each other.
So, all in all, I'm gonna give this one 5 stars, even though it's not among the very best 5 star books I've read, but these guys did make me happy with their story, so yeah.
5 stars it is!
I've been trying to get my hands on Andria Large's 'At War' for months, without realizing that 'From War to Forever' is actually a reprint with (I assume) the subsequent books included, because Dennis and Tucker have one of the strongest Happy Ends I've ever seen in romance, LOL.
I really liked the story. It featured ALL ingredients of what I like best in romance: Military guys with terrible backgrounds:
Dennis' wife is murdered by terrorists and Dennis is the one to find her body when he tries to rescue her with his team. I mean, can it get worse than that??
Yes, it can. One passage later, Dennis also lost a leg and now relies on prosthetics to walk.
Don't you want to hug him already??
And Tucker lost his hearing after a bomb went up close to him during a mission. Thank God he can read lips well and knows sign language.
Both guys get to know each other in a veteran's hospital and realizing that they're sharing PTSD issues, they move in together to help each other out.
Four years later, both guys are best friends, but Dennis is lonely. All dates with women don't work out because he still has his beloved late wife in the back of his mind. When his depressions get really dark, Tucker and Dennis actually sleep together, holding each other - as straight best friends...
Well, you get where the story is going. It's so incredibly sweet and cute!
I need to criticize a bit that the characters weren't drawn very multi-layered. So don't hope for anything between the lines here. What you see is what you get, their feelings are always on the surface. Usually, I don't like realizing that there isn't much going on beneath the surface of a story, but Dennis and Tucker are really sweet and most of the time, I found their relationship and their lives pretty realistic and relatable.
However, there were a couple of things I didn't get or found infuriating...
But despite these issues I had, I really liked following both guys through so many years of their life. I especially had a soft spot for Dennis.
The sex was a bit overused throughout the book, but I liked how they interacted with each other. I totally believed their love for each other.
So, all in all, I'm gonna give this one 5 stars, even though it's not among the very best 5 star books I've read, but these guys did make me happy with their story, so yeah.
5 stars it is!
December 18, 2015
Actual rating 4.5 stars.
Tucker and Dennis are Marines, both suffering immeasurable personal loss fighting in Afghanistan. The depth of their despair is creating a black hole in their hearts, each of them creating a penitence for something they had no control over. Denny hits rock bottom, and Tucker is there to help him through it, fighting the demons together. Although they love each other as friends, eventually, they fall in love with each other.
This book is definitely an emotional read and, yea, I was tearing up a few times. At the same time, it is a story of love, strength and devotion. I cannot wait to see what happens in book 2. Something tells me it will be a rough road ahead.
Tucker and Dennis are Marines, both suffering immeasurable personal loss fighting in Afghanistan. The depth of their despair is creating a black hole in their hearts, each of them creating a penitence for something they had no control over. Denny hits rock bottom, and Tucker is there to help him through it, fighting the demons together. Although they love each other as friends, eventually, they fall in love with each other.
This book is definitely an emotional read and, yea, I was tearing up a few times. At the same time, it is a story of love, strength and devotion. I cannot wait to see what happens in book 2. Something tells me it will be a rough road ahead.
March 4, 2015
Prologue: It ligit took me 20 min to write this because even though its snowing and negative-hell-freezes-over outside I NEEDED to eat gelato while typing which meant i had to constantly fend off the cat who was crawling over me trying to get a little sticky paw in the pint and simultaneously deleting parts of the post with her little twinkle toes, BECAUSE ICE CREAM MOM lol. #uselessprologueudidntneedtoread
**Snark warning in effect for the remainder of this page. Its like lake effect, except meaner.**
Dear friends: I've decided I hate prologues. Which is why, of course, I wrote a prologue to this post. WHY do we need them? Just start the book at the beginning! A prologue is like... I started the book, and then I forgot something and didn't know how to work it into the backstory so now we need this little awkward front-porch-dialogue that is usually confusing and feels tacked-on. Also, in this case I ligit almost stopped reading this book before I even started, because I made the mistake of reading the prologue, and I almost threw my hands up at it. (**I used ligit (legit) wrong, twice, on purpose. We'll get to that.) So, why did I NOT LIKE this prologue? In the UselessPrologue (UP) we meet MC Dennis for the first time as he is executing a heroic/stupid/utterly unrealistic rescue of his wife, who is apparently a reporter/dumbass in Iraq (at the same time he is deployed???? I think not...) . The rescue itself... omg.
"I don't have the official go ahead to do it [the rescue]" --> Insubordination, possibly even desertion depending on who this pisses off. "Six of us climb into the unofficially borrowed Humvee" --> Stealing government property. Etc. I could keep going all day but ain't nobody got time. So at this point I'm thinking, (1) this is probably supposed to be romantic but I just think guy's a moron and (b) this author doesn't know much about how the military actually works. Maybe I should have prefaced the prologue with the fact that hubby is a Vet. I know a lot about this topic. A LOT. So this kind of thing makes my head spin around on my shoulders a little. Please, authors, for the love of all that is holy, if you are not yourself an expert on a subject, find someone who IS to advise you!! Oh, and also, this statement: "Lucky for me, my friends are a bunch of badass motherfuckrs who are all adrenaline junkies that love to shoot people". I 'white girl' cannot even with this.
After (barely) surviving that prologue, the actual story itself was pretty good. Which brings me back to... why did we even need it in the first place? Even as a flashback I didn't really feel like most of that information was relevant to my ability to connect with the character. And it almost alienated me from him initially.
Things I loved:
- The story. Dennis and Tucker are both Vets, both with their own physical/mental/emotional damage and they really connect in a way that is genuine and believable and omg so sweet. They care about each other. They GET each other. They fall in love with each other because they need each other and can support and care for one another and complete one another in ways no one else could. So the storyline? great.
- The characters. Both MC were solid, likable characters I could identify with and empathize with, though they both had their stupid moments
- double GFY. 'nough said.
- great supporting characters, except for Dennis' dbag family of course
- PTSD was reasonably well handled
Things I would have liked to have seen done differently and/or had issues with:
- First person. F me. I hate it. Also, the way this was done, breaking it up between the characters, felt choppy at times which compounded the awkwardness of the first person.
- Tucker's injury was reversible. Come on. I hate when there is a character in a story and one MC is like "I love you despite/ with this problem" and then theres magically a resolution for it later on. Just rubs me wrong.
- Totally NOT believable to me that Tucker would be so good at/comfortable with reading lips that quickly after losing his hearing.
- We did not hear anywhere near enough about Dennis and his leg/injury/issues with prosthetics etc. It felt penciled in, like it was an afterthought at the end of the story, and since this, along with TBI, is one of the most serious issues contemporary Vets are facing? This issue deserves more air time in the story.
- The relationship progression felt a bit like we're-friends-omg-we're-lovers-now-its-great. I need more emotional connection/insight when this kind of thing happens, people. It was just a little too casual.
AAANNNNDDD....... drrrrummrolll..... This one just did not work for me and I found it off-putting that this was how they had their first sexual connection.
Overall, a pretty good read with (mostly) forgivable flaws. 3 stars.
**Snark warning in effect for the remainder of this page. Its like lake effect, except meaner.**
Dear friends: I've decided I hate prologues. Which is why, of course, I wrote a prologue to this post. WHY do we need them? Just start the book at the beginning! A prologue is like... I started the book, and then I forgot something and didn't know how to work it into the backstory so now we need this little awkward front-porch-dialogue that is usually confusing and feels tacked-on. Also, in this case I ligit almost stopped reading this book before I even started, because I made the mistake of reading the prologue, and I almost threw my hands up at it. (**I used ligit (legit) wrong, twice, on purpose. We'll get to that.) So, why did I NOT LIKE this prologue? In the UselessPrologue (UP) we meet MC Dennis for the first time as he is executing a heroic/stupid/utterly unrealistic rescue of his wife, who is apparently a reporter/dumbass in Iraq (at the same time he is deployed???? I think not...) . The rescue itself... omg.
"I don't have the official go ahead to do it [the rescue]" --> Insubordination, possibly even desertion depending on who this pisses off. "Six of us climb into the unofficially borrowed Humvee" --> Stealing government property. Etc. I could keep going all day but ain't nobody got time. So at this point I'm thinking, (1) this is probably supposed to be romantic but I just think guy's a moron and (b) this author doesn't know much about how the military actually works. Maybe I should have prefaced the prologue with the fact that hubby is a Vet. I know a lot about this topic. A LOT. So this kind of thing makes my head spin around on my shoulders a little. Please, authors, for the love of all that is holy, if you are not yourself an expert on a subject, find someone who IS to advise you!! Oh, and also, this statement: "Lucky for me, my friends are a bunch of badass motherfuckrs who are all adrenaline junkies that love to shoot people". I 'white girl' cannot even with this.
After (barely) surviving that prologue, the actual story itself was pretty good. Which brings me back to... why did we even need it in the first place? Even as a flashback I didn't really feel like most of that information was relevant to my ability to connect with the character. And it almost alienated me from him initially.
Things I loved:
- The story. Dennis and Tucker are both Vets, both with their own physical/mental/emotional damage and they really connect in a way that is genuine and believable and omg so sweet. They care about each other. They GET each other. They fall in love with each other because they need each other and can support and care for one another and complete one another in ways no one else could. So the storyline? great.
- The characters. Both MC were solid, likable characters I could identify with and empathize with, though they both had their stupid moments
- double GFY. 'nough said.
- great supporting characters, except for Dennis' dbag family of course
- PTSD was reasonably well handled
Things I would have liked to have seen done differently and/or had issues with:
- First person. F me. I hate it. Also, the way this was done, breaking it up between the characters, felt choppy at times which compounded the awkwardness of the first person.
- Tucker's injury was reversible. Come on. I hate when there is a character in a story and one MC is like "I love you despite/ with this problem" and then theres magically a resolution for it later on. Just rubs me wrong.
- Totally NOT believable to me that Tucker would be so good at/comfortable with reading lips that quickly after losing his hearing.
- We did not hear anywhere near enough about Dennis and his leg/injury/issues with prosthetics etc. It felt penciled in, like it was an afterthought at the end of the story, and since this, along with TBI, is one of the most serious issues contemporary Vets are facing? This issue deserves more air time in the story.
- The relationship progression felt a bit like we're-friends-omg-we're-lovers-now-its-great. I need more emotional connection/insight when this kind of thing happens, people. It was just a little too casual.
AAANNNNDDD....... drrrrummrolll..... This one just did not work for me and I found it off-putting that this was how they had their first sexual connection.
Overall, a pretty good read with (mostly) forgivable flaws. 3 stars.
May 22, 2016
This was so short.
I think I'll read the whole trilogy, I write the full review at the end.
I think I'll read the whole trilogy, I write the full review at the end.
April 16, 2015
At War is the first book in the War Trilogy. If you've read Andria Large's Renegade series you will know Dennis as a very intriguing secondary character. He was so intriguing that when I finished Wild Renegade, all I could think about was how much Dennis needed his own book. Next thing I know, Dennis is not only getting a book, he's getting his own trilogy!
It's a double-edged sword, though, because cliffies are the devil's work and I knew I wouldn't be able to wait until all installments were published before digging in. So I set myself up to be driven crazy. I'll have to blame myself for any discomfort and/or rage I may feel.
Dennis is a vet, an amputee, a widower and struggling with PTSD. He's drowning in despair, guilt and pain over the death of his wife Zara. Not only that, but he also feels like he's going to forever be stuck in a dead-end job, never finding anything satisfying or joyful again.
The only person who completely understands Dennis is Tucker. Tucker is so much more than a best friend or a room mate. Tucker gives 100% love, acceptance and comfort to Dennis, and Dennis gives it in return. Tucker too, suffers from PTSD and has nightmares about the day he lost his hearing.
Dennis and Tucker' s relationship is deep, profound, honest and true. They know each other inside and out and would do anything for each other.
Four years after Zara' s death and Dennis cannot seem to make himself move on with any woman. Sexually, he's not interested. He can't get past his guilt and pain enough to get excited about sex.
Tucker suggests that they have a threesome with a cute and willing waitress. He figures that his presence will take some performance pressure off of Dennis and also lend comfort in the process.
They go for it and one explosive kiss changes their lives forever.
My breath catches in my throat as his lips part. A strong hand clamps down on the back of my neck and my heart flutters madly in my chest. Dennis forces his tongue past my lips and a surge of raw lust shoots through me at being manhandled. I groan into his mouth as our tongues tangle and twist around each other's. His fingers tighten on my neck. The kiss turns fierce and possessive. Our teeth bump a few times but I don't give a shit and I don't think Dennis does either. I've never experienced a kiss like this in my life. It's savage and raw and needy. I don't ever want it to end.
The sex between Dennis and Tucker is hot. Smoking hot. But it's also tender, playful and honest. There's no "I don't want to do this, but I can't help myself" bull. They want it and they own it.
They almost seamlessly become a couple. They don't question their feelings to death or worry about what it means in terms of their sexual identity. Though this is a first-time, gay-for-you erotic romance, Dennis and Tucker's relationship is all about love. The hot sex was just the next step for them. Unexpected? Yes, but in no way unnatural or strange. It was perfect.
…but here with Tucker, there's a deeper connection. I can feel him in my soul… it's deeper than love. This is my forever…"
The lack of a perfect score would be due to a few trite romance cliches (I know, I know! This is romance and it's par-for-the-course). And also I can't really understand why this is a trilogy. Don't get me wrong, I could read about Dennis and Tucker forever but the built-in conflicts (PTSD, grief, the fact that neither one is gay) don't really present much in the way of conflict. These guys are solid. Honest and in love--possibly even dependant on each other, there's not really anything I can foresee that will bring so much trouble for them that they will split or doubt or anything. Tucker' s family may be upset, but Dennis and Tucker are strong.
Normally cliff hangers leave you at an "oh shit" moment where you can envision multiple outcomes that will cause the couple some serious problems. This cliffhanger was mild. Are we on the hook? Hell yeah! But not in any anxious way. I appreciate this. But I'm still not seeing the need for more than one book.
Sweet, sexy, funny and heartwrenching all at once; I really love these characters. This is written in 1st person with dual-POV' s. There's heavy issues brought up and obviously M/M sex scenes. Also M/F/M.
I have to give an honorable mention to Duke. I need this guy to have his own HEA. **Hint, Hint, Ms. Large.
It's a double-edged sword, though, because cliffies are the devil's work and I knew I wouldn't be able to wait until all installments were published before digging in. So I set myself up to be driven crazy. I'll have to blame myself for any discomfort and/or rage I may feel.
Dennis is a vet, an amputee, a widower and struggling with PTSD. He's drowning in despair, guilt and pain over the death of his wife Zara. Not only that, but he also feels like he's going to forever be stuck in a dead-end job, never finding anything satisfying or joyful again.
The only person who completely understands Dennis is Tucker. Tucker is so much more than a best friend or a room mate. Tucker gives 100% love, acceptance and comfort to Dennis, and Dennis gives it in return. Tucker too, suffers from PTSD and has nightmares about the day he lost his hearing.
Dennis and Tucker' s relationship is deep, profound, honest and true. They know each other inside and out and would do anything for each other.
Four years after Zara' s death and Dennis cannot seem to make himself move on with any woman. Sexually, he's not interested. He can't get past his guilt and pain enough to get excited about sex.
Tucker suggests that they have a threesome with a cute and willing waitress. He figures that his presence will take some performance pressure off of Dennis and also lend comfort in the process.
They go for it and one explosive kiss changes their lives forever.
My breath catches in my throat as his lips part. A strong hand clamps down on the back of my neck and my heart flutters madly in my chest. Dennis forces his tongue past my lips and a surge of raw lust shoots through me at being manhandled. I groan into his mouth as our tongues tangle and twist around each other's. His fingers tighten on my neck. The kiss turns fierce and possessive. Our teeth bump a few times but I don't give a shit and I don't think Dennis does either. I've never experienced a kiss like this in my life. It's savage and raw and needy. I don't ever want it to end.
The sex between Dennis and Tucker is hot. Smoking hot. But it's also tender, playful and honest. There's no "I don't want to do this, but I can't help myself" bull. They want it and they own it.
They almost seamlessly become a couple. They don't question their feelings to death or worry about what it means in terms of their sexual identity. Though this is a first-time, gay-for-you erotic romance, Dennis and Tucker's relationship is all about love. The hot sex was just the next step for them. Unexpected? Yes, but in no way unnatural or strange. It was perfect.
…but here with Tucker, there's a deeper connection. I can feel him in my soul… it's deeper than love. This is my forever…"
The lack of a perfect score would be due to a few trite romance cliches (I know, I know! This is romance and it's par-for-the-course). And also I can't really understand why this is a trilogy. Don't get me wrong, I could read about Dennis and Tucker forever but the built-in conflicts (PTSD, grief, the fact that neither one is gay) don't really present much in the way of conflict. These guys are solid. Honest and in love--possibly even dependant on each other, there's not really anything I can foresee that will bring so much trouble for them that they will split or doubt or anything. Tucker' s family may be upset, but Dennis and Tucker are strong.
Normally cliff hangers leave you at an "oh shit" moment where you can envision multiple outcomes that will cause the couple some serious problems. This cliffhanger was mild. Are we on the hook? Hell yeah! But not in any anxious way. I appreciate this. But I'm still not seeing the need for more than one book.
Sweet, sexy, funny and heartwrenching all at once; I really love these characters. This is written in 1st person with dual-POV' s. There's heavy issues brought up and obviously M/M sex scenes. Also M/F/M.
I have to give an honorable mention to Duke. I need this guy to have his own HEA. **Hint, Hint, Ms. Large.
March 22, 2017
What a great double gfy story. I loved it! Give me a scarred or disabled MC any day. And this book fits that bill and then some. Both MCs had PTSD. One was deaf and one was missing a limb. It was perfect. Krissy is a happy girl :) I'd love to read more of Duke's story!
May 15, 2015
I am in love with Dennis and Tucker.
June 26, 2021
This book made me cringe inside out. I don't know why I put myself through it. I am a fucking sadist. I mean, who doesn't want to read 33 year old men acting like horman teenagers who get too emotional for no damn reason? Right? 😐
Let's start from the beginning... Tucker and Danny are both suffering from PTSD because of what they went through in the military, Danny lost his wife and a leg. Tucker has hearing loss that can be fixed bit he doesn't want to bcs he is punishing himself. Both of them are best friends.
The clusterfuck starts from here. Both of them have a threesome with a girl and they kiss and they realise that they want to do it again. So of course they do, out of damn nowhere. Two minutes into this and they are already in love. Makes total sense. 🥱
Danny, who had a hard time getting over his wife, dreams of his wife who tells him to move on from her and that Tucker and him were meant to be forever. The second had embarrassment during this scene was too much for me that I had to tuck myself under my blanket to continue. 😖
Then they have a situation where both of them visit Tucker's family and his older brother is a prick bcs he is jealous of the fact that Tucker listens to Danny and decides to get his hearing sorted out. Because which older brother wouldn't be a Complete prick when his younger brother decides to move on, right? Which fucking middle aged men get jealous of someone having a best friend?
By this time I was so done with this book. I think the author forgot the plot half way through because I was expecting 'grown men' who are suffering from a trumatic experience and trying to move on while finding love and not immature men who get jealous of waitresses and decide to move on because of a dream.
This book was so unrealistic and awkward for me that, by the time I finished I was relieved that I won't have to go through that bullshit again.
I don't think it's necessary to say now but just to make it clear, I will not be continuing this series. The embarrassment was too much that I need very strong dose of caffeine so that my brain will let me sleep and stop making me cringe each time It thinks.
Let's start from the beginning... Tucker and Danny are both suffering from PTSD because of what they went through in the military, Danny lost his wife and a leg. Tucker has hearing loss that can be fixed bit he doesn't want to bcs he is punishing himself. Both of them are best friends.
The clusterfuck starts from here. Both of them have a threesome with a girl and they kiss and they realise that they want to do it again. So of course they do, out of damn nowhere. Two minutes into this and they are already in love. Makes total sense. 🥱
Danny, who had a hard time getting over his wife, dreams of his wife who tells him to move on from her and that Tucker and him were meant to be forever. The second had embarrassment during this scene was too much for me that I had to tuck myself under my blanket to continue. 😖
Then they have a situation where both of them visit Tucker's family and his older brother is a prick bcs he is jealous of the fact that Tucker listens to Danny and decides to get his hearing sorted out. Because which older brother wouldn't be a Complete prick when his younger brother decides to move on, right? Which fucking middle aged men get jealous of someone having a best friend?
By this time I was so done with this book. I think the author forgot the plot half way through because I was expecting 'grown men' who are suffering from a trumatic experience and trying to move on while finding love and not immature men who get jealous of waitresses and decide to move on because of a dream.
This book was so unrealistic and awkward for me that, by the time I finished I was relieved that I won't have to go through that bullshit again.
I don't think it's necessary to say now but just to make it clear, I will not be continuing this series. The embarrassment was too much that I need very strong dose of caffeine so that my brain will let me sleep and stop making me cringe each time It thinks.
January 7, 2018
A quick DNF for me because of my biggest pet peeve with M/M books.
Here we go again...another author who doesn't disclose M/F sex (M/M/F in this case) in their blurb so that those of us who don't want that in their M/M books , don't purchase the book.
Just mention it, okay. And save all of us the time, money, and piles of DNF books.
Here we go again...another author who doesn't disclose M/F sex (M/M/F in this case) in their blurb so that those of us who don't want that in their M/M books , don't purchase the book.
Just mention it, okay. And save all of us the time, money, and piles of DNF books.
December 18, 2015
4.5 Stars
September 18, 2018
`
*Shitty end!! uggggh
*Shitty end!! uggggh
May 11, 2015
Rating: 5 stars
What is it about?
Extreme heartache. Pain. Darkness. Sadness. Hope. Love. Perfection.
My thoughts:
There’s so much I want to say and I know nothing I say will do its justice, so I’ll keep it short. This book is bloody fantastic. For me, At War, had it all:
1) The heartache—15 times check.
2) Friends-to-lovers plot—and so well done.
3) Gay-for-you plot—double checked
4) Memorable characters—are you kidding? YES!
5) Hilarious moments—
“Don’t ask me stupid questions like that, Denny. You know that I’m okay with this. Shit, you could be in a relationship with a lamp for all I care, as long as you’re happy.”
“I know. I love you, too, Dukey—poo. –Tucker
Listen, Fruitcake, I was trying to have a moment and you ruined it.”—Duke
The beginning was amazing. This is what hooked me. If you read it, then you’re probably thinking I’m crazy, but I think it just added so much more necessary heartbreak to the story. Because of the prologue, I was a goner. Iwanted needed more. Afterwards, what kept me reading were Tucker and Denis. I absolutely loved them.
“This thing with Tucker, though, it’s deeper than love. This is my forever.”
The Ending:
Are you kidding me, Large? How dare you leave us hanging like that? That’s just plain cruel.
If you love m/m romance and heartbreak, then please read At War. You won’t be disappointed.
What is it about?
Extreme heartache. Pain. Darkness. Sadness. Hope. Love. Perfection.
My thoughts:
There’s so much I want to say and I know nothing I say will do its justice, so I’ll keep it short. This book is bloody fantastic. For me, At War, had it all:
1) The heartache—15 times check.
2) Friends-to-lovers plot—and so well done.
3) Gay-for-you plot—double checked
4) Memorable characters—are you kidding? YES!
5) Hilarious moments—
“Don’t ask me stupid questions like that, Denny. You know that I’m okay with this. Shit, you could be in a relationship with a lamp for all I care, as long as you’re happy.”
“I know. I love you, too, Dukey—poo. –Tucker
Listen, Fruitcake, I was trying to have a moment and you ruined it.”—Duke
The beginning was amazing. This is what hooked me. If you read it, then you’re probably thinking I’m crazy, but I think it just added so much more necessary heartbreak to the story. Because of the prologue, I was a goner. I
“This thing with Tucker, though, it’s deeper than love. This is my forever.”
The Ending:
Are you kidding me, Large? How dare you leave us hanging like that? That’s just plain cruel.
If you love m/m romance and heartbreak, then please read At War. You won’t be disappointed.
November 8, 2017
Second edition by Dreamspinner Press
This is book 1 - 3 of the series, so I didn't read the series partly. It's good because I read some reader ranting about book two.
You what they say about first time gay a.k.a GFY right? Either it's hot or wrong.
This one thankfully, is very hot with lot's of stories of pain between the two best friends.
For four years living together, they're finally found the comfort in each other's arms. Some questions made, some confusing and denials, but they're obviously been in love for each other for long just didn't realized it.
Losing someone you love in front of your eyes add some lifetime traumatized moment you can 'never' forget is huge. But Dennis have Tucker who's there for him in time of pain and hurt.
With an additional Duke (oh I liked this guy), they become one team outside the army.
The true conflict is between Dennis and Tucker. Some stupid decisions made, glad there's Duke as a buffer between them.
This is a story about acceptance, forgive yourself, guilt and redemption of the two men with PTSD.
they're struggled each and everyday of their life not to break, and hang on to each other for strength.
Sad, but there's also a lot of sexy times and loud moments ;) (Duke cannot stand them, of course).
I enjoyed this book, and I hope you'll like this as much as I did, or more!
* ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press for a fair and unbiased review.*
This is book 1 - 3 of the series, so I didn't read the series partly. It's good because I read some reader ranting about book two.
You what they say about first time gay a.k.a GFY right? Either it's hot or wrong.
This one thankfully, is very hot with lot's of stories of pain between the two best friends.
For four years living together, they're finally found the comfort in each other's arms. Some questions made, some confusing and denials, but they're obviously been in love for each other for long just didn't realized it.
Losing someone you love in front of your eyes add some lifetime traumatized moment you can 'never' forget is huge. But Dennis have Tucker who's there for him in time of pain and hurt.
With an additional Duke (oh I liked this guy), they become one team outside the army.
The true conflict is between Dennis and Tucker. Some stupid decisions made, glad there's Duke as a buffer between them.
This is a story about acceptance, forgive yourself, guilt and redemption of the two men with PTSD.
they're struggled each and everyday of their life not to break, and hang on to each other for strength.
Sad, but there's also a lot of sexy times and loud moments ;) (Duke cannot stand them, of course).
I enjoyed this book, and I hope you'll like this as much as I did, or more!
* ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press for a fair and unbiased review.*
August 31, 2015
3.5 stars
Holy sh*t, I did not know this was double GFY book. Hot damn. GFY are fun. Double GFY are double fun!
The depression that eaten Dennis felt real. And Tucker deafness seem real too. I really liked the relationship between them. They're HOT. This story is written in dual POV, fast paced.
PS : I really want to read Duke's whole storyyy. He seems like a great guy. <3
Holy sh*t, I did not know this was double GFY book. Hot damn. GFY are fun. Double GFY are double fun!
The depression that eaten Dennis felt real. And Tucker deafness seem real too. I really liked the relationship between them. They're HOT. This story is written in dual POV, fast paced.
PS : I really want to read Duke's whole storyyy. He seems like a great guy. <3
February 17, 2015
Il me semble l’avoir déjà dit une fois, mais pour moi un livre est excellent lorsque vous arrivez à la dernière page et que je me dis, non déjà c’est impossible . Eh bien, « At war » est dans ce cas, c’est une lecture remplie d’émotions, de peur et de souffrance aussi, mais je me suis laissée emportée par Dennis et son retour à la vie.
Dennis est un homme blessé moralement et physiquement, ancien combattant, il ne réussit pas à oublier la mort de sa femme qu’il a perdue brutalement, il est amputé d’un pied et souffre physiquement, il survit littéralement. Pourquoi ? Il ne le sait pas vraiment, il est tenu à bout de bras par sa sœur et son meilleur ami Tucker qui souffre pourtant lui aussi de symptômes post-traumatiques ainsi que de la perte d’une partie de son audition. Les cauchemars rythment les nuits des deux hommes et les angoisses qui s’ensuivent remettent en question, surtout pour Dennis, la raison pour laquelle ils sont revenus, abimés certes, mais en vie.
La relation qui va s’instaurer entre Denis et Tucker n’est pas vraiment une évolution simple de leur amitié, ces deux hommes se soutiennent mutuellement, se réconfortant quand le passé resurgit trop violemment. Dennis et Tucker se connaissent parfaitement et ils feraient n’importe quoi l’un pour l’autre, quatre ans après la mort de sa femme Denis ne rejette pas les femmes, il n’a simplement plus de désir, sa culpabilité le bloque. C’est Tucker qui propose « un coup d’un soir », un trio avec une serveuse, il espère que la présence de la jeune femme va ôter de la pression à Denis et lui éviter de se sentir coupable. Un baiser entre eux durant cette séance va changer leur vie.
Il n’est pas question ici d’homosexualité refoulée, les deux hommes ont toujours vécu une vie amoureuse traditionnelle et satisfaisante, aucun des deux ne s’est senti mal, sali ou désolé, non, ils revivent tout simplement avec des sentiments aussi simples que le plaisir, la tendresse, le rire, que ce soit avec un homme leur importe peu : ils vivent à nouveau. Ils ne se posent pas de questions sur leurs identités sexuelles, ils aiment à nouveau, Andria Large fait un très joli travail, elle évite les questions existentielles, c’est doux et tendre à la fois.
April 24, 2015
I really couldn't decide between 2 or 3 stars for At War. Frankly, I found this book boring and idiotic, and I wouldn't recommend it.
First off, I hated the F/M/M sex. I don't buy M/M romances to read about vignas and boobs, sorry. On top of that, the writing was childish and impractical. I was beyond irritated that the characters didn't act realistically to situations. For instance, the book is about two macho, rugged ex-marines. Most manly straight guys would freak out a little when they started feeling sexually attracted to their best friend. At the very least, they would feel conflicted and confused about their sexuality. Not with Tucker and Dennis though! The second they felt attracted to each other they were like, "Awesome! I'm gay now! Let me suck your dick!" I could't understand this weird go-with-the-flow attitude. Also, I didn't get how Dennis could feel like he was cheating on his dead wife with women, but he didn't feel like he was cheating when he slept with a guy. It just seemed like the writer was warping logic to fit the way she wanted the story to go, which is lazy story-telling in my opinion. On a happier note, I did like how the writer wrote her female characters. The women were a bit too stereotypical female, but they weren't bitchy or snobby like a lot of m/m writers write women. Any who, I had some serious issues with At War, and I personally would not recommend. But who knows, maybe you will get something out of it that I didn't.
First off, I hated the F/M/M sex. I don't buy M/M romances to read about vignas and boobs, sorry. On top of that, the writing was childish and impractical. I was beyond irritated that the characters didn't act realistically to situations. For instance, the book is about two macho, rugged ex-marines. Most manly straight guys would freak out a little when they started feeling sexually attracted to their best friend. At the very least, they would feel conflicted and confused about their sexuality. Not with Tucker and Dennis though! The second they felt attracted to each other they were like, "Awesome! I'm gay now! Let me suck your dick!" I could't understand this weird go-with-the-flow attitude. Also, I didn't get how Dennis could feel like he was cheating on his dead wife with women, but he didn't feel like he was cheating when he slept with a guy. It just seemed like the writer was warping logic to fit the way she wanted the story to go, which is lazy story-telling in my opinion. On a happier note, I did like how the writer wrote her female characters. The women were a bit too stereotypical female, but they weren't bitchy or snobby like a lot of m/m writers write women. Any who, I had some serious issues with At War, and I personally would not recommend. But who knows, maybe you will get something out of it that I didn't.
Read
June 30, 2016Overall book review: 4
Audio book: N/A
Book Cover: 4
I’m gonna be a B*** and start with the thing I dislike the most about this book/series. First person. I despise it, and no matter how many cups of coffee and hours of therapy sessions I put in with my best friend and reading buddy, I can’t get my head around WHY authors choose this form of writing. But whatever.
Now. To the things I liked.
Hot, broken, emotional, straight, ex-military, best-friends-to-lovers as main characters? Not only one but two? Bring it on I’m jumping on the band wagon.
It’s sad, emotional and really who can resist? I enjoyed the read and I will read the rest.
Audio book: N/A
Book Cover: 4
I’m gonna be a B*** and start with the thing I dislike the most about this book/series. First person. I despise it, and no matter how many cups of coffee and hours of therapy sessions I put in with my best friend and reading buddy, I can’t get my head around WHY authors choose this form of writing. But whatever.
Now. To the things I liked.
Hot, broken, emotional, straight, ex-military, best-friends-to-lovers as main characters? Not only one but two? Bring it on I’m jumping on the band wagon.
It’s sad, emotional and really who can resist? I enjoyed the read and I will read the rest.
February 4, 2015
The words captured on these pages within this book are almost mesmerizing in their content making this author a true hypnotist.Whereas as some authors feel the need to over dramatize the appearances of their male leads making them appear almost unrealistically fae like,here the descriptions of both main male characters are to the point,magnetic & visually appealingly.
The book has both a masculine yet somehow sensitive quality about it that is highly engaging making it one hot read.
The book has both a masculine yet somehow sensitive quality about it that is highly engaging making it one hot read.
February 26, 2015
4,5 stars
January 17, 2023
Trigger warning for mental health issues and suicidal thoughts.
What a ride. I really had to visit both ends of the emotional spectrum.
There was some heartbreaking scenes and some lovely scenes, but I feel the story could have been much shorter. For this reason, a lot seemed like filler and sex scenes, which bored me in the end.
However, the plot was good, so I enjoyed reading it anyway.
What a ride. I really had to visit both ends of the emotional spectrum.
There was some heartbreaking scenes and some lovely scenes, but I feel the story could have been much shorter. For this reason, a lot seemed like filler and sex scenes, which bored me in the end.
However, the plot was good, so I enjoyed reading it anyway.
March 21, 2017
5 +++
February 4, 2015
5 Star Review by Jen Skewes
From the moment that I read Sweet Renegade and met Dennis I could not wait for his story. There was something about him that intrigued me. I knew he was damaged from being overseas in Iraq but I needed to know more. I needed to know what happened to him and be able to understand him. I wanted him to find happiness.
When Dennis was overseas fighting in Iraq he lost two things, his leg and the love of his life. He has learned to adjust to life without his leg but has not been able to move on from losing his wife. It has been four years since that horrible day but that day is still in his mind and his dreams as if it happened yesterday. He has no desire to be with another woman. The only woman he has ever loved is gone and he does not know how to move on from that. The only people in his life that he can really count on are his sister and his best friend and roommate Tucker.
Tucker is also a Marine and him and Dennis met at a VA hospital after the both of them were hurt. Tucker knows all too well what is it like to be injured and lose someone close to you. While Dennis is very close with his sister and she has always been there for him it is Tucker who really understands him. He knows what he is going through and through their experiences the two of them have formed a bond and friendship. Tucker still has nightmares but has been able to move on with his life while Dennis is still stuck in the past. Not wanting to be with another woman because of losing his wife. Being with another woman just adds to guilt and grief that he is already carrying. But he knows he needs to move on but he just doesn’t want to. Until something happens that he cannot even begin to explain but knows that it just feels right. He is falling for his best friend. They have experimented a bit and they both find that they enjoy being with each other. They enjoy it in ways they never expected. But while they both know that being together feels right it doesn’t make the fear of it all any less. They are best friends who have crossed a line. If it doesn’t work out what will happen to their friendship? Will it survive?
I loved this book!! Andria Large knows how to write a MM romance. She knows how to give you the perfect blend of sexy and sweet. I love reading about two men falling in love but what I love the most about it is when you can feel their emotional connection. Not only does Ms. Large give you the right amount of emotion but you gives you some very hot and very sexy scenes. I am talking scorching hot, get out a fan because you will need to cool off hot!! I loved Tucker and Dennis together. They just fit perfectly. And they both knew it. Being with a man was new territory for the both of them but they both embraced it because it just felt right. And that is what I loved. I loved feeling the connection that they had, both as friends and as lovers. I loved the chemistry between them and how they were there for each other through everything.
At War is a beautiful story about two men who came back from Iraq broken. And through their friendship they both learned to heal and move on. This is a story about love, loss, healing, friendship and more. You’re heart will break for Tucker and Dennis at times. But at the same time the two of them together will make you smile. I cannot wait for the second installment of this series and more of these two amazing and sexy men.
From the moment that I read Sweet Renegade and met Dennis I could not wait for his story. There was something about him that intrigued me. I knew he was damaged from being overseas in Iraq but I needed to know more. I needed to know what happened to him and be able to understand him. I wanted him to find happiness.
When Dennis was overseas fighting in Iraq he lost two things, his leg and the love of his life. He has learned to adjust to life without his leg but has not been able to move on from losing his wife. It has been four years since that horrible day but that day is still in his mind and his dreams as if it happened yesterday. He has no desire to be with another woman. The only woman he has ever loved is gone and he does not know how to move on from that. The only people in his life that he can really count on are his sister and his best friend and roommate Tucker.
Tucker is also a Marine and him and Dennis met at a VA hospital after the both of them were hurt. Tucker knows all too well what is it like to be injured and lose someone close to you. While Dennis is very close with his sister and she has always been there for him it is Tucker who really understands him. He knows what he is going through and through their experiences the two of them have formed a bond and friendship. Tucker still has nightmares but has been able to move on with his life while Dennis is still stuck in the past. Not wanting to be with another woman because of losing his wife. Being with another woman just adds to guilt and grief that he is already carrying. But he knows he needs to move on but he just doesn’t want to. Until something happens that he cannot even begin to explain but knows that it just feels right. He is falling for his best friend. They have experimented a bit and they both find that they enjoy being with each other. They enjoy it in ways they never expected. But while they both know that being together feels right it doesn’t make the fear of it all any less. They are best friends who have crossed a line. If it doesn’t work out what will happen to their friendship? Will it survive?
I loved this book!! Andria Large knows how to write a MM romance. She knows how to give you the perfect blend of sexy and sweet. I love reading about two men falling in love but what I love the most about it is when you can feel their emotional connection. Not only does Ms. Large give you the right amount of emotion but you gives you some very hot and very sexy scenes. I am talking scorching hot, get out a fan because you will need to cool off hot!! I loved Tucker and Dennis together. They just fit perfectly. And they both knew it. Being with a man was new territory for the both of them but they both embraced it because it just felt right. And that is what I loved. I loved feeling the connection that they had, both as friends and as lovers. I loved the chemistry between them and how they were there for each other through everything.
At War is a beautiful story about two men who came back from Iraq broken. And through their friendship they both learned to heal and move on. This is a story about love, loss, healing, friendship and more. You’re heart will break for Tucker and Dennis at times. But at the same time the two of them together will make you smile. I cannot wait for the second installment of this series and more of these two amazing and sexy men.
April 9, 2016
I would literally read any GFY books so when i saw the reviews i grabbed my copies even though i dislike trilogies as a rule. One thing that rubbed me wrong in this book is the main character's attraction for each other, they have a threesome and all of a sudden Bam! they want to boink each other, ulm no thanks. I like my GFY to be slooooow burn, i want to feel the attraction, the sexual tension, the denials, the inevitable acceptance and then the accumulation of all that in one big explosion, that is how i want my GFY to be. I mean these two characters had never even thought of gay sex but all of a sudden its like wham bam and they were in the military, you would think they would be a little bit anxious of exploiting any kind of sexual desire but nope, apparently it's written somewhere in the stars that they are not suppose to give a wit . Well i'm not drinking this koolaid, no thank you.
After their first gaynanigan (gay shenanigan ) Gag!! ick, seriously if that isn't the most asinine load of crap i've ever read.
I almost threw the book out the window right there and then. I skipped all the sex scenes, they all seemed tawdry and not at all enjoyable.
I really did not see one teeny tiny speck of attraction between the characters, nary a one.
There's 3 of these, 3! obviously some insane argument will come up to make this book conveniently longer and that would justify a second book and then a third book.
After their first gaynanigan (gay shenanigan ) Gag!! ick, seriously if that isn't the most asinine load of crap i've ever read.
I almost threw the book out the window right there and then. I skipped all the sex scenes, they all seemed tawdry and not at all enjoyable.
I really did not see one teeny tiny speck of attraction between the characters, nary a one.
There's 3 of these, 3! obviously some insane argument will come up to make this book conveniently longer and that would justify a second book and then a third book.
February 9, 2015
This is another beautifully written love story that just so happens to take these two characters literally down a road never traveled by either of them. These friends were just trying to survive but it just goes to show you that love can be found or find you when you least expect it.
We met Dennis in Sweet Renegade and I could not wait to hear his story.
Dennis is a man that has been ravaged physical and mentally by war. He has had to live with the loss of his true love who was killed in a horrific way. He lives with the constant memory that he may have been able to save her. He returns home and remains alone for several years. When he attempts to become close to any women it reopens his old wounds. He has come to the conclusion that he is to be alone and that he is deserving of it. His only true friend is Tucker. Tucker has been his rock and confidant since his return. Tucker also has had his share of hurt and loss. He has decided that being a player is his way to deal and not become to close to any women. Dennis is taken aback when he begins to "feel" things for Tucker that he can't explain. He has never in his life been attracted to a man let alone his best friend.
Tucker and Dennis are both taken by surprise by this new and strange turn in their relationship.
I loved that both of these men were strong, manly alpha men and that they were able to take that leap and try something new!
Well Done Andria! I can't wait for book two!!!!!!!
I was gifted this book for an honest review.
~~Michele McMullen~~
We met Dennis in Sweet Renegade and I could not wait to hear his story.
Dennis is a man that has been ravaged physical and mentally by war. He has had to live with the loss of his true love who was killed in a horrific way. He lives with the constant memory that he may have been able to save her. He returns home and remains alone for several years. When he attempts to become close to any women it reopens his old wounds. He has come to the conclusion that he is to be alone and that he is deserving of it. His only true friend is Tucker. Tucker has been his rock and confidant since his return. Tucker also has had his share of hurt and loss. He has decided that being a player is his way to deal and not become to close to any women. Dennis is taken aback when he begins to "feel" things for Tucker that he can't explain. He has never in his life been attracted to a man let alone his best friend.
Tucker and Dennis are both taken by surprise by this new and strange turn in their relationship.
I loved that both of these men were strong, manly alpha men and that they were able to take that leap and try something new!
Well Done Andria! I can't wait for book two!!!!!!!
I was gifted this book for an honest review.
~~Michele McMullen~~
February 13, 2015
Dennis just can't move on from the love of his life. She was viciously taken away from her during a war that also ended up taking his right foot. It's been nearly 5 years but he can't make that step to move on with his life.
Tucker is Dennis' roommate. He understands what war can do to you. He lost his hearing during an attack in Afghanistan, lucky to walk away, while his friends were left behind.
One night changes everything as Tucker tries to help Dennis step forward and live again. He just never expected the outcome to be what it was.
This book is full of emotions. Both men are shattered by the effects of war. Their friendship is tested in new ways.
I was so happy to see Dennis get this own story! Andria hits another one out of the ballpark with At War. I will tell you that this is part 1 of a 3 part series and so it does end in a cliff hanger.
Dennis and Tucker are so amazing together. Both are surprised by their growing attraction towards each other. What started out as a little fun, a means to release the tension that was building in Dennis from the anniversary of his wife's death, turned into a full on, passion, raw and incredibly sexy relationship with his best friend.
Andria write characters that definitely pull you in. Loved At War and can't wait for part two of this series from an amazing author.
Tucker is Dennis' roommate. He understands what war can do to you. He lost his hearing during an attack in Afghanistan, lucky to walk away, while his friends were left behind.
One night changes everything as Tucker tries to help Dennis step forward and live again. He just never expected the outcome to be what it was.
This book is full of emotions. Both men are shattered by the effects of war. Their friendship is tested in new ways.
I was so happy to see Dennis get this own story! Andria hits another one out of the ballpark with At War. I will tell you that this is part 1 of a 3 part series and so it does end in a cliff hanger.
Dennis and Tucker are so amazing together. Both are surprised by their growing attraction towards each other. What started out as a little fun, a means to release the tension that was building in Dennis from the anniversary of his wife's death, turned into a full on, passion, raw and incredibly sexy relationship with his best friend.
Andria write characters that definitely pull you in. Loved At War and can't wait for part two of this series from an amazing author.
July 9, 2016
Overall book rating 4 Stars
Audio book: n/a
Book Cover: 4 Stars
MC1: Dennis Parrish - Ex Marine now Bodyguard
MC2: Tucker - Ex Marine now in IT
This book start with a dream of how Dennis's wife died in Iraq when she was taken as a hostage. Tucker and Dennis met in a Hospital while treated for PTSD and they became fast friends. They currently live together.
I loved this story it was far from perfect but it made me feel so many emotions while reading this book. This was sad and a bit disturbing to say the lease to see what these 2 men had to go through was eye opening.
I love how this story unfolded, the journey of finding love and peace and starting over. I loved how there were years of friendship between these guys before things changed.
One thing leads to another and they discover they have feelings for each other and decide to just go with it...
These guys are so broken Dennis lost his wife and then just after that his right leg was amputated. Tucker lost his hearing and both of them still gets nightmares.
Audio book: n/a
Book Cover: 4 Stars
MC1: Dennis Parrish - Ex Marine now Bodyguard
MC2: Tucker - Ex Marine now in IT
This book start with a dream of how Dennis's wife died in Iraq when she was taken as a hostage. Tucker and Dennis met in a Hospital while treated for PTSD and they became fast friends. They currently live together.
I loved this story it was far from perfect but it made me feel so many emotions while reading this book. This was sad and a bit disturbing to say the lease to see what these 2 men had to go through was eye opening.
I love how this story unfolded, the journey of finding love and peace and starting over. I loved how there were years of friendship between these guys before things changed.
One thing leads to another and they discover they have feelings for each other and decide to just go with it...
These guys are so broken Dennis lost his wife and then just after that his right leg was amputated. Tucker lost his hearing and both of them still gets nightmares.
February 3, 2015
Pulled an all nighter,read in one sitting. What a book!!A very good read,I loved it!! The book took me on a emotional roller coaster ride & didn't take long for the tears to come & that was throughout the book. So worth it though! So good!! Two guys that were at war & had to be released b/c of disabilities. Also having PTSD & trying to get on with their lives & be happy. The the unexpected happens,roomates in a veteran hospital then become roomates back home. Then all of a sudden roomates Tuck & Denny happen to have found an attraction to each other after a one night threesome with a women. So they go with those feelings & wow..the sex scenes are hot!! A TBR. Can't Wait for Book 2,dang cliffhangers!! ;)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews